One Killed, Eight Injured in Shooting Near Birmingham College Football Game

Saturday night brought a sudden end to festivities near the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, when one person was killed and at least eight others were injured in a shooting. The incident occurred in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue around 7:50 p.m. The event is the largest historically Black college and university football game in the United States.

Birmingham Police Department officers responded to the scene and immediately suspended all tailgating activity in the area. Investigators recovered multiple firearms at the location. One individual was detained and transported to police headquarters for questioning. As of early Sunday morning, one victim remained in critical condition while seven others were in stable condition. No police officers or first responders were hurt in the incident.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett described the event as a “senseless act of violence.” He noted that the game places a heavy demand on local personnel. “Other leaders in law enforcement recognize that and they quickly offered up support and we are grateful for that quick response,” Pickett said. He also commended the officers for their actions during the response.

Pickett detailed how officers ran toward the sound of gunfire to check on civilians. “Seeing the courage and resilience they displayed tonight, running alongside them in the direction of those gunshots, triaging people as we pass by them going in the direction of the shots to make sure they weren’t injured, or if they were injured rendering aid as we continue toward the gunfire. that shows true courage,” Pickett stated. He added that he was thankful all officers and assisting personnel were able to return home to their families that night.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Police have not yet released the name of the detained individual or identified the deceased. The Magic City Classic organizers have not announced further changes to the event schedule beyond the initial suspension of tailgating.